Democrats running in special elections for the Minnesota Senate and the Minnesota House won convincingly tonight.

Democrat Kari Dziedzic garnered nearly 80 percent of the vote in the Minneapolis district that includes northeast Minneapolis and the University of Minnesota. Dziedzic replaces Democrat Larry Pogemiller who left his position to direct the Office of Higher Education.

Democrat Susan Allen won 55 percent of the vote in her Minneapolis district. Allen, who will be the first Native American woman to serve in the Minnesota Legislature, replaces Democrat Jeffrey Hayden who was recently elected to the Minnesota Senate.

Tonight’s elections don’t change the makeup of the Legislature. Republicans continue to hold the same majorities in both the House and Senate.

About the blogger

Tom Scheck has covered politics and state government for more than ten years for MPR News. He’s covered several gubernatorial campaigns, two statewide recounts, the presidential bids of Tim Pawlenty and Michele Bachmann, U.S. Senate races, close Congressional contests and the Minnesota Legislature. He lives in Falcon Heights with his wife, son and dog. He can sometimes be found chasing a white ball on a golf course. It isn’t a straight walk. Tips are welcome at tscheck@mpr.org